6 Steps To Ensure You Can Trust Your House Sitter

i Thousands of people use house sitting as a means to travel the world on a budget. They call it “slow travel” moving from location to location caring for someone's home and pets while they are away.

House sitters provide security and peace of mind for the homeowner and a local base for themselves to explore the activities and geography of the area. The basis of this arrangement all revolves around an element of trust.

How can you be sure you can trust the house sitter you have selected?

How can you trust that the house sitter is going to care for you home and pets in the caring manner required? That there will be no theft or breakage of personal items; that pets will be fed, walked and groomed daily; that any mess from cooking, or laundry will be cleaned; that there will be no parties or uninvited guests brought into the home and that if there is an accident or problem that they will be contacted immediately and if caused by the house sitter, fixed, replaced or paid for.

How can a homeowner feel comfortable allowing a total stranger into his/her home?

Here are guidelines to help you select the perfect person to care for your home while you are away.

1.Use A Specialty Agency. Housecarers.com and Trusted House Sitters are two such specialty websites. There are millions of employment agencies in the world, but only a few that specialize in bringing homeowners and house sitters together. As with any other specialist, they are more knowledgeable about the subject and will be able to answer any questions you have about the process, provide leads, and appropriate paperwork.

2. Study Each Potential House Sitter Profile. Most agencies have a place where potential house sitters can post references, background checks, police checks, security clearances and bonds. You can also find additional helpful information, such as their age, experience and motivation.

3. Check Your Homeowners Insurance. Most peoples homeowners insurance will cover having a house sitter in the home, however it is always suggested that the homeowner check with them.

4. Skype Your Top Few Candidates. After you have selected a few potential house sitters, interview them through a video chat. Skype is a powerful tool that allows you to look people in the eye when talking to them and get a feel for whether or not you trust them in your home.

5. Check Reviews And References. Of course, no one is going to give you a reference that will talk bad about them, however, there may be specific questions you may have that a reference can answer. Reviews from previous homeowners are sometimes posted on the agency site. The house sitter has no say in what is posted, so not only is it an incentive for them to do their best, it is a truer reflection of the house sitter than a provided reference.

6. Sign a Contract. Even though it might seem overkill to sigh a contract for a weekend job, it is always a good idea to have a formal agreement in place to ensure the security and safety of your pets, home and it's contents. Housecarers has a General Accepted Standards Of Conduct contract posted on their site that can be modified to fit the specific requirements and expectations of the house sit

Once you have selected your house sitter, signed the contract and made traveling arrangements, it is time to relax and enjoy your time away. If it's a matter of trust these 6 simple steps can raise your comfort level and lower the anxiety of leaving the home in the capable hands of a house sitter you can trust.